Minneapolis cancels plan to hire social media influencers to spin George Floyd murder trial
It follows public outrage at an official communications plan ahead of former police officer’s appearance in court
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Officials in Minneapolis have scrapped plans for social media influencers to spread “approved messages” during the trial of George Floyd’s murder, following criticism.
The city council approved plans on Friday for six “influencers” to spread targeted messaging on social media during the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged of murder, before back-tracking.
David Rubedor, the city’s director of neighbourhood and community relations, said of the decision on Monday that “influencer” did not accurately describe the duties of the roles, and apologised, CNN reported.
“We are sorry and acknowledge that we will have to work to repair the harm that has been caused," Mr Rubedor said in a statement.
"This was never about trying to change or persuade the public opinion on any particular message, but it was about getting important information out quickly and in an equitable way,” Mr Rudbedor said.
Read more: Minneapolis fortifies city hall with barbed wire and fencing ahead of George Floyd murder trial
As reported by CNN, Mr Rubedor’s apology came after the proposals were criticised for targeting the city’s Black community with “approved messages”.
Councillors agreed to allocate $1,181,500 (£848,571) in city funding for contracts with the social media influencers, as well as community leaders, and local media outlets for the duration of the trial, due to begin later this month.
The city’s Native American, Somali, Hmong and Latino communities were also due to be targeted by the communications campaign, with each “influencer” being paid $2,000 (£1,433).
“The goal is to increase access to information to communities that do not typically follow mainstream news sources or city communications channels and/or who do not consume information in English,” the council said on Friday.
Campaigners attacked city officials for trying to "control the narrative" around the trial, with Minneapolis activist Toussaint Morrison telling WCCO: “The key word here is “city-approved”
“What do you think the message is going to be? It’s going to be pro-city, it’s going to be anti-protest.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments